Many of my clients have small eyes. Often, they ask for certain color eye shadow or even a style that would not make the eye appear larger, but would actually make it appear smaller. In this week’s column I’d like to give tips on how to make small eyes appear “larger.”

If there is any makeup product that should be in your makeup bag, it is mascara. Mascara is a must; it completes the look. A person with small eyes will find it very beneficial, as it will instantaneously “open-up” the eye immensely. But don’t just go for any mascara. Be sure to use curling mascara. As the lashes are curled up, they will give the illusion of the eyes opening. Be sure to first curl your lashes with an eyelash curler, and then apply two thin coats of mascara.

What if you want to apply eye shadow and then mascara? First thing you want to do is avoid the smoky eye look. The point of the smoky look is to make the eyes appear smaller, and this look will not enhance the eye’s shape. When choosing an eye shadow make sure it’s on the lighter side (the lighter something is, the larger it appears; the darker something is, the smaller it will appear). You can definitely use different colors on your eyes to build dimension to the eye, just make sure the color you choose for your lid is lighter than the one in the crease of your eye.

Not only are lighter shades more appealing to the smaller eye, shadows with a shimmery finish are the best choice since they reflect light. (Please note that if you are a mature woman, with wrinkles, please stay away from shimmer, as it will settle in the lines and will define the wrinkles more. Stick to the matte finishes.)

Another big no, no that I have found is that often times women with small eyes will rim the inside of their eye with a black pencil. Again, the effect is the same: the darker something is, the smaller it makes it appear. Please stay away from black pencils, and try a white or even a beige color pencil to rim the inner eye (this technique gives off the illusion that the sclera – the white part of the eye – is larger, hence making the eye appear larger). I found the beige color pencils to work a little better than the white; it’s not as strong as the white on the eye.

Sharona Silva is a makeup artist, specializing in airbrush makeup, who works in the New York City area. Sharona recently launched her own skin care line for all types of skin. Please submit questions to tips@sharonasilva.com. Questions may be used in future columns; all inquiries will remain anonymous. Visit www.sharonasilva.comfor more information.

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Many of my clients have small eyes. Often, they ask for certain color eye shadow or even a style that would not make the eye appear larger, but would actually make it appear smaller. In this week’s column I’d like to give tips on how to make small eyes appear “larger.”

The most important element of your eye makeup is mascara. I’ve mentioned in a previous column that mascara is one of the most crucial steps in your basic daily makeup wear. Mascara, even without any eye shadow, creates definition.

I am in my late 20′s and have heavy lids and small bags under my eyes. As I am still young and get plenty of rest, doctors have told me that it is genetic. My trouble with concealing the bags is not with the coloring (like people with dark circles) as much as it is with how to make the bags look smaller or less puffy and my eyes bigger. What are your suggestions?

Which lipsticks will last throughout Shabbos is a common question I am asked. In fact, many women share this common problem where the lip color just “slides” right off within a few hours. There are a few products on the market that are formulated to last from 8-18 hours, and many of them can be purchased at your local drug store. Covergirl, Maybelline and L’Oreal all make long lasting lip color that can be found at drug stores.

What’s so special about airbrush makeup? Is this a new technique in makeup application? These are a couple of questions I commonly get from my readers and clients. Airbrush makeup application has been used in Hollywood on models and actors for over 30 years. For approximately ten years, makeup artists have been using this on brides, businesswomen, or anyone that wants to look great for an event.

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When applying make-up most people focus on the eyes or lips, and sometimes forget to give attention to the eyebrows. Your brows can open up your eyes and face, and can also make you appear younger, so be sure to give them as much attention as you would your eyes and lips.

I have very prominent eyes; I was wondering what color and or style of makeup would suit me? I have dark brown hair and brown eyes, and medium-deep skin tone. I rarely put on makeup and if I do, it’s only on my eyes. I am looking forward to reading your suggestions.